Could you help to raise aspirations of future leaders?

Unemployment fallen by half in last five years, figures show

BUSINESSES are being urged to get involved with the second annual Portsmouth Opportunities Fair.

There are only six weeks until the event takes place in the Guildhall, when thousands of young people are expected to visit, hoping to be inspired about their future careers.

Not only is the Shaping the Future of Portsmouth group looking for firms to take part, it is also looking for them to bring along some employees who can talk about their jobs and help mould the future of Portsmouth.

The people behind the fair say the role models who attend the fair are integral to its success.

A spokesman for the event said: ‘According to a survey of teachers in the UK, young people frequently choose role models from celebrity culture, such as David and Victoria Beckham, Frank Lampard, Keira Knightley, Guy Ritchie, Jude Law, David Tennant – the list goes on.

‘Young people develop the skills and abilities of initiative when they learn to overcome obstacles and, not surprisingly, they admire people who show them that success is possible.

‘We are looking for people who have either been born, educated or have worked in Portsmouth and who are willing to share their story with the young people as we look to inspire them and showcase all we have to offer.’

In total, around 100 businesses are due to take part, spread over all the Guildhall’s available space.

Last year’s big draws are hoping to make a return, with the likes of IBM showing off its cutting-edge technology, Portsmouth Football Club showing that there are more jobs to do within Fratton Park than kick a ball, and construction giants such as Warings, explaining how they’re making Britain a better place to live.

But it doesn’t matter whether a business is small or large. If it can raise the aspirations of young people typically aged between 10 and 13 and help them achieve a career in the city, then it has a place in the Guildhall on Saturday, September 29, between 10am and 4pm.

Free transport will be provided for the event, through Lucketts Travel.

Pick-ups will be at the Lakeside Business Park in North Harbour, where the current Saturday park and ride departs from.

There will also be pick-ups from the University of Portsmouth’s campuses.

To find out more about the event, see oppsfair.com, and to become a role model at the event, email Julia@workshoprecruitment.co.uk or lakesidemanagement@highcross.co.uk.